Contents

The Orthodox Messenger

Vol. I, No. 32 – Sunday, August 25, 2002

ST. TITUS

   In the New Testament, there is a short letter that St. Paul wrote to his disciple, St. Titus, that informs us about the early Church's organization, problems and faith. Titus was a Greek convert to Christianity. His spiritual father was St. Paul. Beginning in Antioch, he worked together with St. Barnabas and St. Paul for the conversion of non-Jewish people. For this reason he remained uncircumcised (which showed that he was a Gentile and not a Jew).

   Around the year 57 A.D., St. Paul sent him to Corinth to help correct the religious disorder that had appeared in that Church. And later, he returned for the collection of money for the persecuted Christians of Jerusalem.

   About the year 63 A.D., St. Paul sent him to the Church in Crete to oversee its development. Tradition tells us that he led the Church of Crete as its first bishop until his death in advanced age.

   Among the issues he faced were the presence of those who wanted all converts to first submit to the Jewish religious practices before they could become Christians. Titus led the fight against this as a genuine Gentile Christian. He also battled the influence of Gnostic teachings that held false teachings about God, Jesus and human nature. Also, the strength of pagan customs and practices among the Cretans was a problem with which he struggled for many years. St. Titus is now the patron saint of the Orthodox Church of Crete.

   The “Kondakion Hymn” for St. Titus, summarizes his important ministry for the Church:

   O yoke-mate of Paul, together with him, you preached the tidings to us of saving grace bestowed of God, O Apostle Titus, blessed and elect revealer of mysteries; for which cause we cry out to you: Cease not to entreat Christ God for all of us.

 

                                                                       Today, August 25 is St. Titus’ feast day. We ask for his prayers for us!

Service Hours: Sundays and Feast days: Orthros at 9:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Evening Services as announced.

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9^th  Sunday of Matthew

EPISTLE – 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

   Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder. I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are.

 

GOSPEL – Matthew 14: 22-34

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

 

GOSPEL ENTRANCE HYMNS              

Dismissal Hymn – Plagal 4^th Tone

   (Sing in Greek before the Entrance) (“Ex Ipsous Katelthes”).Hymnal,  89.

   (Sing in English after the Entrance) (“From on high did you descend”). (Same)

Dismissal Hymn of the Apostles (Titos)

   (Read) O Holy Apostles, / intercede with God-all merciful / that He may grant us the remission of our sins.

Dismissal Hymn of St. Nicholas

   (Sing in English) “An Example of the Faith” Hymnal 110-111

Kontakion of Sts. Joachim and Anna

      (Read) As we celebrate / the remembrance of thy righteous grandparents, / through them we beseech You, / to save our souls.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES: Birthdays: Louis Sheedy-9/6; Louis Mavrogian-9/7; John Haskedakis-9/18; Janice Vardakis-9/21; John Kotsifakis-9/23. Wedding Anniversaries: John & Dora Havatzes-9/7; Tony & Glory Vardakis-9/20; John & Gerry Levandis-27. Prayers of blessings for birthdays and wedding anniversaries will be offered after Church next Sunday, September 1.

40 DAY MEMORIAL SERVICES for the rest of the soul of Dorothy Haskedakis will be conducted this coming Sunday, September 1, 2002.

   UNOFFICIAL OPENING OF PARISH LIBRARY TODAY! Our library features books about our Orthodox Church. Borrow a book today!  

   STEWARDS OF PROSFORON BAKING: George Nikas 8/25; Fran Triantafilon 9/1; Venice Cosmadelis 9/8 Connie Mourgides 9/15; Fran Mather 9/22.

   A MEMORIAL DONATION was received from Steven L. Politakis of Tacoma, WA in memory of Alice Marty. May her memory be eternal!

   FORMER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS and others interested in helping start a Sunday School, please contact Fr. Stanley. This is important!

 

Sponsor the Bulletin! $20. Call Connie Mourgides -686-0589

 

   PARISH EDUCATION PROGRAM: We will study the Gospel of John for our P.E.P. sessions starting Friday, September 6. Six other Survey themes were equally chosen: Orthodox Saints; Introducing Orthodoxy; Church History; Parables of Christ; Church Beliefs; and Our & Other Churches, for alternate sessions. Attend!

COME TO CHURCH!
 

HELLENIC ORTHODOX MISSION

OF HERNANDO COUNTY

P.O. BOX 5566

SPRING HILL, FL 34611

“A Pan-Orthodox Christian Community”

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